1968 Unfired FN Browning Safari

I have been left an old (1968) FN Browning "Safari", 270 cal. It has a period Redfield (made is USA) 3x9 scope mounted with Redfield rings. It does not have dreaded "Salt Wood" stock.

It is unfired, and in pristine condition.

I know the 2006 “Blue Book of Gun Values” lists this rifle at about $ 1000.00 value, but for that kind of $$, I’m thinking of turning it into a everyday hunter. Personally, I much prefer the old Mauser FN action, and know from experience the Browning will be a shooter.

Is there any good reason why I should keep this in it’s unfired condition, and not turn it into a perfectly good hunting rifle?

Meatco, The salt wood you mention was on all Superposed, T-bolt .22's, and high power rifles made from 1967 to 1974. Browning made an effort to seal the inletting and the outside of these stocks, but salt is salt.
There is a good possibility the wood on your rifle has been replaced by Browning, under waranty, or is sealed with a stock finish in the inletting area to keep the rifle from rusting.

These are fine rifles, and quality wise will give many expensive custom rifles a real run for the money. My advice would be for you to use it and try to wear it out in your lifetime. I doubt if you will be able to put much wear on it even if you live to be a hundred. Take care of it, and just keep an eye out for rusting particularly where the wood contacts the steel.
Mark

Although I believe the Safari will appreciate more, the futher down the road it goes unfired, I do not think I could buy a better rifle right, for the $1000.00 - $1200.00 it is worth. And frankly, I have no real desire to sell something left to me by a good friend.

Consequently, I will most likely turn this rifle into one of my favored hunters.